Impact of primary headache and health- seeking behaviour among advanced-level students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Primary headache is a common neurological disorder that causes significant disability. This study aimed to determine the proportion of primary headache, its impact on quality of life, and the patterns of health-seeking behaviour among advanced-level (A/L) students in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.Methods and material A cross-sectional study was conducted on students following the local A/L curriculum. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was distributed via online platforms to assess the presence of headache, type of headache and sociodemographic and educational factors associated with it. The Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) questionnaire was used to assess the impact on quality of life. Data related to the methods of relief employed were also collected. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests and independent t tests were used to determine the factors associated with primary headache, and a p value of < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.Results A total of 441 students with a mean age of 19 ± 0.9 years consisting of predominantly females (66.4%) were included. The proportion of patients with primary headache among the participants was 57.1% (n = 252). It was significantly greater among females and students following the bioscience stream. According to the HIT-6 questionnaire, 42.1% (n = 106) of respondents reported that primary headache had a severe impact (score > 60) on their quality of life. Most students (71.4%, n = 180) used medication, with 51.7% (n = 130) self-medicating, while only 21% (n = 53) sought professional advice. Notably, over half (51.7%) of the respondents reported that self-medication was moderately effective, and 14.4% reported it to be ineffective.Conclusion A high proportion of A/L students suffer from primary headache, which significantly impacts their quality of life, with 42.1% having a HIT-6 score greater than 60. The majority were self-treated but with suboptimal relief. The rates of professional consultation were concerningly low. These findings highlighted the need for promoting proper diagnosis and management of headaches in this population, along with emphasis on the perils of unregulated analgesic use.